Dar Bennis

If you have the good fortune to visit Fès, then don't waste the opportunity. Instead of staying in a large Western hotel, enjoy the real Medina by staying in a riad.

A good friend of mine has spent over four years restoring a beautiful riad called Dar Bennis. He has used only traditional craftsmanship and materials so this is not a "fake". Dar Bennis is a small 18th century traditional Moroccan house in the heart of the Fès Medina, on a small street just off the Talaa Sghira, the main business street of the medieval quarter of Fès. And of course my friend will organise to have you met and guided to the house, so, no problems!

Although a modest house by Fès standards, it features hand-painted and natural cedar ceilings, windows and doors, carved plasterwork, stained glass windows, decorative ironwork, handmade zellij mosaic floors, and a rooftop terrace with an amazing panoramic view of the Fès Medina and surrounding mountains. The house is simply decorated, to accent the beauty of the architecture, with antique and handmade furniture and textiles. I have visited it several times and just love the atmosphere.

One of the main advantages of Dar Bennis as a holiday rental property, compared to a bed and breakfast, maison d'hotes (guest house), or larger riad, is having the complete house to yourself. This is a real advantage! Dar Bennis is also older than most riads and traditional hotels available in Fès, which date to the early 20th century and are located on the outskirts of the Medina. Because Dar Bennis is deeper in the Medina, the guest gets a real sense of what it's like living in the Medina, with its joys and challenges.

Anyway - check it out at the link below.

Link:Dar Bennis

Tags: Morocco, Fès, travel, Fez,